CAMBRIA COUNTY, Pa. -- Dancing and playing games all night long sounds like a kid's dream. At Central Cambria Middle School it's become a reality and it's all for a great cause.

The students know the money they raise will help dozens of children like Kayden O'Donnell of Altoona. He was 5 years old when he had a seizure and his family learned he had meningitis. Kayden was treated by a Children's Miracle Network hospital. There are 170 of them across the country.

"It's wonderful," said Kayden's mother Laura O'Donnell. "I didn't know they did this kind of stuff. It's amazing how the kids raised all this money. It's a wonderful thing what they are doing.'

The goal during the overnight marathon at the school was to raise about $8,000. Instead, the students brought in nearly $11,000. It will go to the Janet Wise Children's Hospital in Danville, Pa.

"I was astounded at that amount, especially in today's economy," said Kim Aboud with the Janet Wise Children's Hospital. "It speaks to the kids and the commitment they have."

The event was put on by student council, along with the guidance of teachers and school bus contractor First Student. They have been doing Children's Miracle Network fundraising for the last four years.

"It's a great group of kids," said Debby Ley with First Student. "This is the largest amount we have ever raised. $10,800 is phenomenal."

While the kids had fun at the overnight marathon, they are also learning valuable lessons about helping others.

"I felt good," said 12-year-old Heidi Hendrickson. "What I think of is putting yourself in their place and seeing how they feel. If you were sick, you would want people to help you."